DUAL NZ Blog

Commercial motor is changing. Is your cover keeping up? - July 2026

Written by DUAL | Jul 1, 2026 7:05:59 AM

 

Key risks affecting New Zealand businesses:

 
Repair costs continue to increase

Labour shortages and imported part delays can push up heavy vehicle repair times and costs

 
Downtime is becoming the biggest exposure

A vehicle off the road can mean lost income, missed contracts and reputational damage

 
Modern fleets require specialist consideration

Electric vehicles, hybrids and specialised equipment bring new underwriting and claims considerations

 
Underinsurance remains a concern

Vehicle values may not keep pace with inflation or replacement costs, leaving clients exposed at claim time

 
Liability exposures are growing

More complex accidents and increasing third-party property damage costs can lead to larger claims

 

 
How brokers can add value

Now is a good time to help clients review whether their cover still reflects the realities of their business.

Consider discussing:

- The total cost of loss, not just premium

- Whether extensions such as loss of use and signwriting are appropriate

- Fleet structure, driver profiles and risk management practices

- Differences in policy wordings and coverage between insurers

- Whether vehicle sums insured remain adequate


 

 

How we can help

Our team works with brokers to provide:

 
Flexible underwriting solutions

 
Practical straightforward conversations

 
Responsive claims support that understands commercial motor risks

 
A broad appetite across a range of industries and fleet types

 

 

 
Further resources

Policy wording

Contact sheet

 

This article is intended to provide general information only. Any insurance cover is subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions set out in the relevant policy wording. Before making any decision about insurance, please read and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and policy wording, available on our website or by contacting your local DUAL underwriter. DUAL New Zealand (NZBN 9429031263993, FSP108406)